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Vancouver true crime book launch Nov. 3

Jollota explores infamous case from March 1950

By Scott Hewitt, Columbian staff writer
Published: October 27, 2018, 6:00am

One Sunday night in March 1950, witnesses reported the violent abduction of a young woman by two men in downtown Vancouver. Suspicion promptly fell on two Camas brothers with long, damning criminal records.

But the investigation and prosecution of the Wilson brothers for the abduction and murder of JoAnn Dewey grew convoluted, controversial and political while the whole nation watched. The infamous case involved everything from police misconduct among literally brawling law enforcement agencies to sympathy whipped up by the movie star looks of the suspects — who were found guilty and sentenced to death, but whose execution dates were postponed four times as the case continued to twist and turn on appeal.

Now, local historian and author Pat Jollota has explored the strange story in a new book, “The Murder of JoAnn Dewey in Vancouver, Washington,” published by The History Press. Based on years of personal research, it’s a fresh, gripping 154-page investigation of the crime, its backstories and its aftermath.

A book launch is set for 2 p.m. Nov. 3 at Vintage Books. Jollota will be there to sign books and talk about her own investigation of the story — and why it fascinated her in the first place.

Also, watch this space Nov. 4 for a complete story about Jollota and “The Murder of JoAnn Dewey in Vancouver, Washington.”

If You Go

• What: Author Pat Jollota launches her new book, “The Murder of JoAnn Dewey in Vancouver, Washington.”

• When: 2 p.m. Nov. 3.

• Where: Vintage Books, 6613 E. Mill Plain Blvd.

• Information: Vintage-Books.com

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